6 Ways to Know Your Pants Are Way Too Tight

Here at GQ, we couldn't be happier that slim pants have become more common than ever before. Gone are the days of bootcut jeans and pleated khakis, and we're all for it. The idea of the "skinny jean" certainly crested years ago. Maybe it's the popularity of Hedi Slimane's "rocker chic" pencil-thin aesthetic, but there are still men out there are reaching for pants that are far too narrow for their man-sized legs and waistlines. The latest offender? Our dear friend Drake, who performed at Governor's Ball in New York City in ball-bustingly tight jeans. If you'd like to avoid the 6 god's legging-like situation, here's six tips for knowing that you've crossed over from slim to skin tight.

The Sit Test

Take a seat. Go on, sit down. Okay, now look down at your legs, and grab some fabric from the thigh portion of your jeans. Even just a little pinch will do. Can't do it? Your pants are too damn tight. Next time you're out shopping, sit down on the bench in the fitting room and test this out. Yes, even if you're buying raw denim.

Can People Tell What Kind of Cell Phone You Have?

Is that a Galaxy 6S or are you just happy to see me? If other people know whether you've got a Samsung or iPhone just by looking at your pants, you know you've gone too slim. Similarly, you should just be able to fit your entire hand into your front pocket to access your phone next time you get a text. If you find yourself fishing it out with tweezers, you're going to need something roomier.

**Time Your Next Blow-Out **

We know crotch blowouts happen, especially if you're the kind of guy that likes to wear the same pair of jeans every day. But as a general rule of bum, you shouldn't be ripping them in less than 3 months after purchasing. Rip once, shame on the manufacturing practices, rip twice, shame on you for not knowing what size pants to wear.

**Stair Master **

Next time you have to choose between an escalator or stairs, take the old school route. Not only is it healthy, but it'll be the perfect place to test your tightness. Now get those knees high. Now double time. If your range of motion has been limited to anything under a 90 degree angle between your thigh and lower leg, it's time to size up.

Take It All Off

Sometimes the best time to test pant tightness is when taking them off. If they're constantly getting caught around your knees, which in turn sends you into a one-footed jumping dance routine as you flail around trying to peel them off your calves, then you know there's a problem.

The Buddy System

The best thing about best friends is that they can be brutally honest. So if you're homie's been telling you, "Dude, your pants look like sausage casings" for the past three months, then maybe, just maybe, he's onto something.